By KATHY MULADY, P-I REPORTER

Updated 10:00 pm, Monday, March 16, 2009

Hoping to bring some sanity back to Seattle campaign spending, City Council members set a timeline Monday to create a publicly financed elections program.

The issue could go before voters in 2010 and would affect campaigning in 2011.

As proposed, candidates would have the option of participating in the "voter-owned" elections if they can prove broad community support.

Candidates also would have to agree to limits on private fundraising, including using personal funds.

The goal is to make it possible for a broader cross section of Seattle residents to run for City Council seats.

"Plenty of smart, qualified people would love to run, but the price tag has run so high in recent cycles that otherwise great leaders sit out. Money shouldn't determine who runs and serves," said Councilwoman Sally Clark, chairwoman of the committee that is developing the program.

The state used to allow public financed elections, but discontinued the option in 1992. Last year, the state adopted legislation allowing cities to create their own public financing programs with voter approval.

"I ran for City Council back when Seattle still had voter-owned elections, and I'm excited to develop a model that works for 21st-century campaigns," Councilman Nick Licata said. "Voter-owned elections connect people with government. I look forward to hearing Seattleites' ideas as we develop a program in the months ahead."

Winning a City Council seat can cost about the same as buying a median-priced home in Seattle. Two years ago, Councilman Tim Burgess raised $353,000 to win in his race against incumbent David Della.

"I strongly support a new system of voter-owned elections. It will create a more level playing field, attract new candidates and build public confidence in the political process," Burgess said.

"I know from my own personal experience that 'dialing for dollars' is a distraction from the work I should be doing as a public official.